The Santa Fe BASH (Business and Social Hour) was a great success and well attended. The New Mexico Business Coalition (NMBC) thanks Joe Monahan for helping to get the word out. We also want to express our deepest gratitude to Orlando Baca for making the event come together with venue, sound system, and snacks.

PROTECTING OUR CHILDREN – GOOD NEWS: Why should we fight to maintain our permanent funds? To protect our children’s future educational opportunities! The NMBC worked hard in the last legislative session to stop constitutional amendments (CA’s) that would raid one or more of New Mexico’s permanent funds – and it worked! New Mexico’s permanent funds generated nearly $779 million for government operations and our children’s education. That’s about $60 million more generated for education than last year just by leaving the funds alone!

Shop Local: Arianna Parsons, owner of Beck’s Coffee talks about what it takes to start and run a business, “It takes a lot of courage and so, so much energy (to) try to build something up from scratch with the hopes that that something will be embraced by the community and will make the community stronger, more dynamic and all around cooler.” Read more HERE. And, by all means, stop by and have a cup of coffee with Arianna!

The 2014 New Mexico Business Coalition (NMBC) Heroes Luncheon was packed with New Mexicans who get involved and work to make positive changes in our state and nation. The keynote speaker, Mark Meckler, President and Founder of Citizens for Self Governance, provided an uplifting and encouraging message about every day heroes and the impact they make on society. He quoted President Ronald Regan that embodied the spirit of the event: “Those who say we are in a time where there are no heroes just don’t know where to look.”

“America: Imagine the World Without Her,” a documentary by Dinesh D’Souza should not be missed. It delves into the negative images of our great country and where they originated. When D’Souza exposes the truth, it leaves you feeling proud to be an American and energized to make this country even better.

Government Padlocks Prevent Access to a small Albuquerque Business: The entrepreneurial fortitude and ability to adapt to a changing economy is what New Mexico and our country needs. A great example is seen in an Albuquerque small business, Old Town Farm. They have successfully diversified their business efforts from equestrian to farming and now offer food and services to bikers along a popular Bosque trail. A great story of free enterprise at work until the bureaucratic red tape and regulations of government interfered.

U.S. Should Learn from Germany's Renewable Energy Mistakes: Congressman Ben Ray Lujan thinks increased use of renewable energy would be good for the U.S. Germany, who has tried to be a leader in renewable energy has strong reality warnings for the U.S. regarding this subject. Germany has been through this and found many unintended consequences that are now causing them to change directions. Read more: U.S. Should Learn from Germany's Renewable Energy Mistakes

Secretary of State Dianna Duran to be honored as an NMBC Hero: See the full line up HERE. Join us at the 2014 Heroes Luncheon on August 7 from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm at the Albuquerque Country Club. Register for the Heroes Luncheon HERE. Early bird pricing ends soon!

Progressive or Probusiness? One of the tactics in the progressive agenda playbook is to repeat false information enough that it takes on a life of its own. For many voters this tactic works, outright lies become known to them as the truth. The Obamacare law that was passed by progressives is a great example. Sold to the American public as a way to stop rising healthcare premiums, "The Affordable Care Act" was named to make sure the lies behind this legislation were embraced and believed by the public.

Announcing the 2014 NMBC HEROES Luncheon: Join us and the New Mexico Cattle Growers Association on August 7, 2014 from 11:30 to 1:00 pm as we honor the NMBC Heroes, including 2014 Hero of the Year Lt. Gov John Sanchez. MEET THE NMBC HEROES HERE. Purchase your Early-Bird ticket to the Luncheon TODAY!

Bad News for New Mexico: In a recent Op-Ed by Representative Jimmie Hall, he discussed the state of New Mexico's economic rankings, which are dim in almost all areas. The decline in jobs, for example, from April 2013 to April 2014 was 4,400 jobs. Likewise, from 2008 to 2013, 15 counties lost population and the increase in New Mexican personal income ranked 48th in the country.

Las Cruces Minimum Wage Raised: After a decision by the Las Cruces City Council, the minimum wage in Las Cruces will rise to $8.50/hr in 2015. This will hurt many, but activist groups are fighting for more. Proposed minimum wage raises of up to $10.10/hr are on the table.